wikedgolf
08-11-2004, 11:02 AM
New star is born with the Volvo V50
Aug 6 2004
Graham Clutton, The Western Mail
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icwales/aug2004/4/7/0004B8C1-5B43-1113-9D0A80BFB6FA0000.jpg
ONCE again the Swedes have hit the right button with the stylish and very shapely V50.
Having given their many supporters a flavour of this car when they launched its saloon sibling, the S40 back in the autumn of last year, Volvo have produced another certain winner in this stunning Sportswagon.
It's striking looks - a blend of the new S40 saloon and the larger V70 estate - the newcomer continues the complete transformation of the Volvo image and knocks into a cocked hat some of its close competitors.
What's more, it is so much better than the car it replaces, the excellent V40, that you cannot compare them. Not only is it more of a trendy upmarket lifestyle vehicle than a load lugger, the V50 is very good looking and will provide real competition to BMW and Audi rivals.
It's a sporty, dynamic and particularly youthful five-door car that is packed with clear design solutions. It is for the modern generation.
From the outside, it is everything you could ask for of an estate car. But, while the softer more sculptured rear-end is stylish and easy on the eye, what really impresses is the driving experience.
It is light years ahead of the old model thanks to its new platform which is shared with the S40 and the forthcoming new Ford Focus. It offers an extremely supple ride over any type of surface and is probably Volvo's best driving car to date.
The new electro-hydraulic power steering is totally accurate and, combined with the responsive chassis, it simply glides through corners. In short, it's handling is superb and it's response is first-class.
The ABS-backed braking system means that the Volvo stops quickly and in a straight line and the driving experience is improved even further by the use of the company's DTSC traction control system, which keeps wheelspin in check even on slippery surfaces.
Having spent much of my week driving around dirty slippery roads, the traction control system was very evident. There were no worries, she stuck to the road like glue.
Being a Volvo, the car is of course packed with safety features and its strong construction certainly makes you feel safe.
I was fortunate to sample the 2.0 litre diesel model, one of two different versions of the new V50 which is being produced at Volvo's plant in Belgium.
Some 74.000 will be built each year for global consumption, with around 8,000 of them scheduled to come to the UK.
The car offers a fabulous blend of performance and economy. This engine is the latest oil burner to be developed jointly by Ford and the French PSA group and can reach 60mph in 9.6 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 136mph.
It offers great surge through all its six gears and yet is still capable of returning 49.6 miles to every gallon on the combined cycle and 61.4mpg on the extra urban.
The diesel will cost £18,613 in generous S trim and £20,863 in the more lavish SE form.
The cabin is a super place to be with some really clever touches, including that free-floating centre console which can now be ordered in a variety of materials to make it even more attractive and trendy. It represents nothing more than a revolution in car design.
It offers comfortable accommodation for up to five adults and the versatility of the interior is enhanced by rear seats that split/fold flat and by a front passenger seat backrest that folds down to allow extra long loads to be carried.
The sound system is first-rate and Volvo's unique Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) reduces the risk of driver distraction by delaying the delivery of non-essential information in high stress situations.
It seems that styling also has its price, as there is now 417 litres of space with the split/fold rear seats in position and 1,307 litres with them folded. This is 114 less than the current V40.
However, it is a worthwhile price to pay for great looks, a cracking drive and a superb interior.
The newcomer adds even greater style and desirability to Volvo's line-up and is sure to become a star in 2004.
Aug 6 2004
Graham Clutton, The Western Mail
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icwales/aug2004/4/7/0004B8C1-5B43-1113-9D0A80BFB6FA0000.jpg
ONCE again the Swedes have hit the right button with the stylish and very shapely V50.
Having given their many supporters a flavour of this car when they launched its saloon sibling, the S40 back in the autumn of last year, Volvo have produced another certain winner in this stunning Sportswagon.
It's striking looks - a blend of the new S40 saloon and the larger V70 estate - the newcomer continues the complete transformation of the Volvo image and knocks into a cocked hat some of its close competitors.
What's more, it is so much better than the car it replaces, the excellent V40, that you cannot compare them. Not only is it more of a trendy upmarket lifestyle vehicle than a load lugger, the V50 is very good looking and will provide real competition to BMW and Audi rivals.
It's a sporty, dynamic and particularly youthful five-door car that is packed with clear design solutions. It is for the modern generation.
From the outside, it is everything you could ask for of an estate car. But, while the softer more sculptured rear-end is stylish and easy on the eye, what really impresses is the driving experience.
It is light years ahead of the old model thanks to its new platform which is shared with the S40 and the forthcoming new Ford Focus. It offers an extremely supple ride over any type of surface and is probably Volvo's best driving car to date.
The new electro-hydraulic power steering is totally accurate and, combined with the responsive chassis, it simply glides through corners. In short, it's handling is superb and it's response is first-class.
The ABS-backed braking system means that the Volvo stops quickly and in a straight line and the driving experience is improved even further by the use of the company's DTSC traction control system, which keeps wheelspin in check even on slippery surfaces.
Having spent much of my week driving around dirty slippery roads, the traction control system was very evident. There were no worries, she stuck to the road like glue.
Being a Volvo, the car is of course packed with safety features and its strong construction certainly makes you feel safe.
I was fortunate to sample the 2.0 litre diesel model, one of two different versions of the new V50 which is being produced at Volvo's plant in Belgium.
Some 74.000 will be built each year for global consumption, with around 8,000 of them scheduled to come to the UK.
The car offers a fabulous blend of performance and economy. This engine is the latest oil burner to be developed jointly by Ford and the French PSA group and can reach 60mph in 9.6 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 136mph.
It offers great surge through all its six gears and yet is still capable of returning 49.6 miles to every gallon on the combined cycle and 61.4mpg on the extra urban.
The diesel will cost £18,613 in generous S trim and £20,863 in the more lavish SE form.
The cabin is a super place to be with some really clever touches, including that free-floating centre console which can now be ordered in a variety of materials to make it even more attractive and trendy. It represents nothing more than a revolution in car design.
It offers comfortable accommodation for up to five adults and the versatility of the interior is enhanced by rear seats that split/fold flat and by a front passenger seat backrest that folds down to allow extra long loads to be carried.
The sound system is first-rate and Volvo's unique Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) reduces the risk of driver distraction by delaying the delivery of non-essential information in high stress situations.
It seems that styling also has its price, as there is now 417 litres of space with the split/fold rear seats in position and 1,307 litres with them folded. This is 114 less than the current V40.
However, it is a worthwhile price to pay for great looks, a cracking drive and a superb interior.
The newcomer adds even greater style and desirability to Volvo's line-up and is sure to become a star in 2004.